Acai comes from the Acaizeiro palm tree that is indigenous and thrives in the Amazon basin of Brazil. The berries grow in large bunches at the top of the palm tree and are deepviolet in colour and somewhat resemble a large blueberry. Many describe the taste as combining berries with an earthy-chocolaty flavour and is regarded widely as one of the Earth's most nutritious foods.

Acai is a rich source of anthocyanins and other phenolics and phyto-nutrients. Acai berries are rich in B vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Acai powder is independently tested as having one of the highest ORAC levels of all foods (typically 3g teaspoon providing just under 1500 units and a two teaspoon serving 3000 units). Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a unit value which determines the antioxidant value and potency of a given food. Foods with high ORAC values are beneficial to the body by increasing plasma antioxidant levels, therefore helping protect the cells from damage by oxygen radicals. Research suggests that the average person only gets about 1200 ORAC unit servings of fruit and vegetables daily. However 3000+ ORAC units are required on a daily basis to have a significant impact on plasma and tissue antioxidant capacity.

The dark purple colour of the fruit is due to the polyphenolic compounds. The compound anthocyanin is responsible for creating red to purple colours in fruits. These contain high levels of anthocyanins which are known to be potent antioxidants and are considered to be anti-aging and to support healthy and normal cellular tissue growth. Fruits such as Acai are therefore being used widely in anti-aging products.

Acai berries are not available fresh as they go off very quickly. Acai is popular as a juice but one of the best ways to preserve all its nutrients is by drying the fruit pulp which retains all the nutritional properties. This is guaranteed premium quality pure dried acai powder with 30% natural vegetable manioc as a carrier agent.

Suggested use: Add 1-2 teaspoons to water or fruit or vegetable juices/smoothies, use in baking or add to other recipes.